Val Strate

She's live out her fantasy of being Annie Oakely. If you gave Bo a candy cane...

He would get frustrated with the new techonlogy and sell it to get his old one back! He's be having conversations with his ON-Star and GPS. He wouldn't want to sit down on the heated seats because he'd think it was a joke like someone was playing 'hot foot' with him. Actually, he'd probably think it was haunted. If you gave Boss Hogg, Richard Simmons for a day...

I'll add you to the prayer list Amanda. It's a scary thing and a heart wrenching thing to watch a loved one in pain. May the good Lord above give you both strength in this hard time.

Congrads on the 1000th post Commander MM! Sorry I'm a little late but I know what ya mean about late night patrols. They really get to ya. I'm really happy to see this place up and around as much as it has been. Seriously, Hnet is the premier DOH website for all things Dukes. I'm thankful I've been around long enough to see it grow and get to know as many friends I as I have from this place. I think I said this a long time ago but I'm greatful for this online playground we call home and the people who maintain it. MM, you've done a wonderful job with the place and seeing it at it's highest potential is a great honor. Brian and MaryAnne do a awesome job around here and the people I have met here are people I will remember for the rest of my days. Hazzardnet not only got me in touch with a beautiful online family but it also served me as a safe haven at times when my heart was troubled. I knew I could always find a friendly face some place around here to give me a smile, wether they knew that they did or not. Great job on the place and congrads, keep up the good work and may you have a 1000 more posts MM. Val

Don't forget Davenports, Strates and Hoggs! What a colorful cast of characters indeed. Nope, normal don't apply here. However please don't let that scare ya Red. Howdy, I'm Val Strate, the neighborhood friendly Game Warden. I'm happy to make your aqquaintance and encorage you to check out everything Hnet has to offer, and if ya ever get lost in the woods, I'll be happy to help. Well happy to help but I don't know how much help I'll actually be... *sheepish grin*

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Depends on the gift. 2. Real tree or artificial? I put up an artificial that is about 30 years old because of household tradition. We call it 'The Charlie Brown Tree' because it's an old anquite and it's one of the first artificial trees ever made. Mom and Dad bought it when they first got married for their first Christmas in the 70's. So it's kind of special and I hope to inherit it when I get a place of my own. Which using the same artifical tree for years on end is very environmentaly friendly. If it wasn't for tradition, I would put up a potted real tree then go plant the pot after the holiday. There are environmental advantages to that and I've heard of that practice done before. 3. When do you put up the tree? Any time in December. I've put a tree up two days before Christmas before. 4. When do you take down the tree? Late January usually. 5. Do you like eggnog? Blah! That's my answer to that question. 6. Favorite gift received as a child? The chocolate slimline halter for my favorite cow that I got from my Grandparents. I still have it to this day and have used it in many cattle shows. 7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad. I find things that are him but at the same time he don't really need them. 8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yeah we have two. 9. Mail or email cards? Mail, I like to make my own cards if I have time. 10.Worst Christmas gift ever received? I don't think I have one... If someone took the time to give me a gift, it wouldn't be looked at as bad. It's the thought of the gift that counts to me, the fact someone was kind and thoughtful enough to think of me. So no gift is looked at as 'worst gift'. 11. Favorite Christmas movie? Elf. I love Will Ferell. He's so funny and sweet in that movie. I love characters like 'Buddy' who seem so sweet and innocent. 12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December 26 of the following year and all through out the year at a slow gradual pace. I buy gifts as I see them and when I think of a person. 13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes. Hey why not?! Recycling is good for the planet and as long as it's something that hasn't been used and abused, why not? It's the thought behind the gift not the gift itself. 14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? BUCKEYES!!!! (Ok, not the real ones because they are poisonous but the ones that are candies. Every Ohioian knows what the heck I'm talking about.) 15. Lights on the tree? Uh duh, yeah. 16. Favorite Christmas Song ? Elton John's 'Step into Christmas'. Yes I love Sir Elton's music, always have. 17. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay home and in neighboring area. 18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No... I know I failz as a Game Warden. *sigh* 19. Angel on the treetop or a Star? Angel 20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Use to be Christmas Eve, now it's Christmas Day. 21. Most annoying thing about this time of year. Going to work and listening to nothing but Christmas music all night long and it's the same 30 Christmas songs we've heard over and over again on the loud speaker. 22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Green (in any shade) with gold. 23. Favorite thing about this time of year? Seeing all my relatives and spending time with them. 24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I have to agree with 'North of the Border', I would totally dig a better job than the one I got. Maybe one where I have an office, a decent benefits package, and paid vacation. A job that is related to the degree I went to school for. Plus, the nation and automakers to get away from oil dependance. But if I can't get any of those, one of those cool table top rock relaxation fountains would be nice, Santa. 25. Who is most likely to respond to this? Hopefully Everyone! But mostly, I tag Commander MM, and MaryAnne to respond to this. *Tap, tap, tap* PPSSST! Hey, Gang it's December, time to get Christmasy!

I've been in the retail industry before. I have seen many a Black Friday. I've heard the horror stories about customers on Black Friday. However, I've not only seen it in the papers at big city stores about things like the trampling in Long Island. I've also seen unruly customers punch my own kin who worked at the same store with me, on Black Friday, over a $20 television. Yet, why? I've always dreaded Black Friday. Yes, there are some good deals, but sometimes the most studious of shopper can find great deals any time of the year, not just Black Friday. It goes beyond just Black Friday and unruly customers. Something can be said about those who are unruly not just Black Friday but all year round. The papers don't ever show it but there are customers that get mean and nasty with retail staff, simply because they can't get what they want. Yes, there are bad retail workers too. Believe me. I've seen plenty of horrorible co-workers. Point being, when you shop, especially durring the holidays make time for it. If you're in a hurry don't do your weekly grocery shopping. If you are in a hurry and need one or two things, get them but make sure you read signs carefully before taking items off shelves. Don't use the express line unless you're paying with cash or credit card, and have less than five items. Yes the sign says less than 10 but that's not really helpful to the cashiers. Be patient and considerate, some of the staff maybe new and not know all the protocols. Sometimes retail staff do or not say certain things for a reason. Keep this one thing in mind, retail store staff are not out to rip you off and have to earn a living too. Just because they don't give you the deal you want, there maybe a reason they can't. The profit margin may on be too narrow to give you that kind of deal. I love shopping and don't discourage anyone from doing it. However, just keep a few things in mind, have some consideration, and you will have a happy holiday.

Like many have said before anyone from Dukes would be cool, but I have a feeling the one that would be most likely to succeed at that show and catch the people's favor would be John. He's got great legs and has a great look for ballroom dancing. Plus he's one of the more recongized cast members with his recent work on Smallville, Secret Life of An American Teenager, and now him going on to do 26 miles, and his stints on Nip/Tuck and CSI Maimi. So I personally would love to see John on there. He would be more likely than anybody.

Heck yeah banjos rock! I love the sound of a banjo! This CD has classic Christmas favorites played on the banjo. Jingle Bells, What Child Is This, Auld Lang Syne, Jingle Bells, and some orginals from the band like 'O Jerusalem in the Mornin', are on this CD.

YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAW! I was shopping in my friendly neighborhood Kmart Super Center and what did I see but a banjo pickin' Christmas CD! So with delight, I snatched it off the counter and took it to the checkout to purchase it right. So now as I sit typing away, I listen to christmas tunes of banjos so gay! It fills my soul with Christmas cheer to have Christmas tunes played by banjos in my ears. Banjos, here banjos there, banjo, banjo... Banjos in mah head! Christmas Banjos in mah head! Yeehaw!

It's alright DaisyMaeDuke. Just try to read the story and respond when you can.

Yes indeed, I loved Jax's use of Uncle Jesse. She hit the nail right on the head with her characterization of him. She used him very well to help weave the story together along with Sam and Dean. Genius. I do agree, there needs to be Enos in the fic. *chuckle* Maybe this is a added challenge for Jax in the ahem 'Christmas Sequel'? Thank you for your comments i1976, great to hear your opinions. I hope this thread works out better then the chat as well.

Yeah we do the big family dinner thing at the 'Strate' house too. This year we have a new twist. Grandma isn't making the turkey, my aunt is. Everyone else is bringing other fixings to go with the turkey and the ham, (yes we have both). The family is pretty big and keeps on growing. This year I think we're over 30 people. God help me if I ever get married because at least one third or more of the guest will be my family and that's just from my dad's side alone. Normally we eat then after the meal, the men folk go into the den to watch the game and the women folk clean up, then play board games with the kids or any guys that don't want to watch the game. It's also the way that new comers to the family tree are introduced to the clan, and on occasion friends or special guests are invited to join. Yes, holiday dinner always reminds me of the classic Norman Rockwell paintings. On Christmas, we have a similar type party a few days before Christmas because it's easier for everyone to take off of work on a day that's like a few days before the holiday than the actually holiday. One twist we do though with that party is we have a different theme every year of something funny to do. One year it was ugly sweaters, last year was crazy hats, this year I'm not sure of. Crazy underwear? Not sure if I want to see that! LOL. But yes we have alot of fun. Thanks for the topic Redneck girl 01!

Howdy, Well our first meeting didn't go so well. It was a flop. No one showed. Oh well. I'm trying a new approach, having an open thread for the book club. Our fic that was in review, was "Dark Ripples" by Jax. In order for this to work, people need to read the fic and come up with questions or answer the questions that other readers put out there. There also might be questions for the author. Please say who you are directing questions to in your post. I'll start us off. Remember, that this thread has spoilers in it. So if you didn't read the fic, you're going to be spoiled by reading this. To readers: What did you think of the story? Was the characterization correct in your mind for the characters? What was your favorite part of the fic? If there was anything you'd want to change what would it be? To the author: What inspired you to create this fic? If you could change anything what would it be? I'll make comments about these questions later after some folks have had a chance to answer. Remember, no bashing.

Ok, sorry about the confusion guys and gals but the chat has been moved to Friday at 7pm EST USA. If you can not make the chat you can still get in on the conversation about the story, by following a thread I will post in the Fanfic/ General Disscussion section. All are welcome. Val

Hi all! I just wanted to post notice about the Book Club on Hazzardnet. It's a fanfic reading club where we read fics then review and talk about them. It's to help authors and readers get to know what kind of Dukes of Hazzard fanfic is out there. This is not an author bashing club or story bashing club. We also review fics that are on the PG or PG-13 level. We might do one or two that border on rated R but it's not a strong R, and there are special circumstances. No slash or X-rated will be reviewed in this group. Our first fic Dark Ripples will be reviewed in the Hazzardnet Chat Reading Room, on Wed. 11/12/08 at 8:30pm EST. The author Jax will be present to answer to question and comment. All are welcome to come, even if you aren't in the book club yet. However, the chat will only talk about things involving the story, (this is a book club, we talk about books). If you're looking to just 'chat' please stay in the lobby. Also please, please, read the story. We can't talk about the story if you haven't read it. Thanks and just go to social groups for more details. Val Strate

I guess I'm right behind ya Alex. I Valerie Marie Strate, accept the terms of 'The No Santa Claus Clause Challenge' or suffer the consequences as posted above. Now let's get ready to write!

Ahahahah! Ok, all fruitcakes go to the Sheriff's Department! All Ding-Bells can go to the wildlife department. At least we don't have a Nutcracker department, because all the nuts would go there! Sorry could help myself. Thanks MA. This is probably true but do you want to be on the shame, shame everyone knows their name, 'Naughty List'? I look forward to the thread, to post my intention.

*laughs* Ring, ding, a ding, let Christmas bells ring! Well at least I'm jolly, festive and not a Scrooge! Things could be worse. I could be a fruitcake. Besides, even though we've both accepted the terms, it's still not deemed o-fficial until the officials get a hold of it and announce it all.

Oh it is so on, like the bells I'll be wearing at Christmas time!

Oh I know it's your idea Alex, about the no Santa. My contrabution to the challenge is the having to tote around coal on our signatures and carry a Grinch Avatar for two weeks, if we don't complete the challenge. What do ya say? Coltranes can't be the only folks around here having fun.

*Sipping apple cider and patting full tummy from the delicious traditional Strate baked spaghetti dinner and trick-o-treat candy* Mmmm, yes Happy Halloween indeed. I guess I don't lay yellow eggs, Hhhmm Alex? Since you have stepped up to the plate and did such a fine job on Dark Ripples, Alex, your Dukes/Supernatural Cross over, maybe you should do a Christmas story as well? Hhhhmmm, which gives me an idea. Well, really, it is your idea and I just elaborated on it, because you did challenge me by throwing the gauntlet down to do a story. Why don't I challenge you now to do a Christmas story with the Winchesters returning to Hazzard? There is a catch; you cannot mention Santa at all in the story. Now if anyone else wants to partake in the challenge you do not have to do a Dukes/Supernatural cross over but you cannot mention Santa. I would be held to those rules as well. Looser could have to tote around an icon in their signature that had lumps of coal and say something along the lines that we were bad because we did not complete our challenge stories. In addition, we could have Grinch Avatars for the losers for a few weeks. I'm sure MM, Brian, and MaryAnne could come up with something in photo shop for those of us who make the 'naughty' list. What do ya say Alex? You up for it? Or are you a frozen chicken? Val